Openers cement Saints’ remarkable win

Jun 16 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WHEN you have suffered successive defeats the prospect of chasing a total of 266-3 declared would not necessarily fill you with confidence.

But St Helens pulled off a sensational victory by five wickets in a terrific team effort. Sefton Park had set them their stiff task, James Cain (81 not out, 10 fours, three sixes) and John Jackson (70, seven fours, three sixes) combining for 133 in a third wicket stand.

But skipper Darren Tyms (56, 10 fours) shared 113 for the opener with Ian Lawless (55, 12 fours) to provide the platform and then Robbie Supria hit 44 before wicketkeeper David Moore (34 not out) and Adam Friar (38 not out) put a winning 72 together in a tremendous chase.

Best individual batting show came from Ather Abid, who boosted Orrell Red Triangle’s promotion hopes in the Competition’s First Division with a remarkable 163 (18 fours, two sixes) in the 96 run win at Highfield.

The best bowling of the day came from Phil Armstrong, who took 8-61 (17.5) for Skelmersdale against leaders Leigh – but still finished on the losing sideas Skem slumped to 127 in reply chasing 170.

Ainsdale’s second successive win came through skittling title challengers Northop Hall for just 83. Yasir Ali (5-41) and skipper John Pearce (4-11) caused the chaos.

Wavertree rocked Liverpool with an eight wicket success. Narender Negi (5-44) and Jonathan Nation (4-15) reduced the Aigburth side to just 103 (36.4) and then Negi (73 not out) produced an early finish.

Rainford enjoyed a fine batting show against Newton-le-Willows. Chris Tonge (82, seven fours, four sixes), Pravin Tambe (50, seven fours) and skipper David Tully (43, six fours, one six) batted well in 258-7 declared in 55 overs, Mike Walkden taking 5-65. But the visitors hung on for 171-9 ( Ian Walkden 41).

Kiwi Test player Aaron Redmond was back in the groove for Wigan, scoring an unbeaten 91 in a total of 223-4 declared (47) against Huyton. The bottom club, without a win, made a great fight of it, falling just 11 runs short, with Kashif Shafi (91) and Dave Hutton (42) sharing 114 for the third wicket. Adam Samouelle took 4-48.